Hygieia,

                                       a pair of shoes from my Klimt series, inspired by Gustav Klimt's (1862-1918) mesmerizing portraits of Austrian society women adorned in resplendent attire. This unique creation draws its inspiration from Hygieia, goddess of Health, part of a larger painting tragically lost during the tumultuous events of World War II. Hygieia stands gracefully, her arm encircled by the Aesculapian snake, while delicately holding the cup of Lethe in her hand.

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These shoes serve as an artistic reflection of Hygieia's portrayal, highlighting both her ornate robe with the intense red glaze and also her dark headdress adorned with stylized gold patterns. Delicate gold patterns adorn the shoes, reminiscent of the ornate embellishments found in Hygieia's attire, accentuating her divine presence. The back of the shoes feature a subtle grey glaze, mirroring the background of the original painting and lending a sense of depth and harmony to the overall composition.

The shape takes inspiration from the renowned Italian shoemaker Pietro Yantorny (1874-1936), famed for creating exclusive footwear for the world's most affluent women. It is through Yantorny's influence that these shoes embody an essence of sophistication and exclusivity.